Historic! That word has pretty much become Caitlin Clark’s unofficial middle name. From lighting up the NCAA charts to smashing rookie records, and now breaking WNBA viewership, this 23-year-old just can’t escape milestone moments. But this season is not about chasing records for her. It’s about chasing that shiny trophy. The Indiana Fever are looking sharper than ever – three preseason wins and now one regular-season dub. However, while Clark’s eyes are glued to that championship dream, turns out, legendary moments just have a habit of tagging along. If not hers, then her teammates’.
The Indiana Fever cracked open their season with a bang, bagging a 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky. Clark pulled off a triple-double in her regular-season debut – 20 points, 10 boards, 10 dimes, plus four blocks and two steals. Sky’s Angel Reese did her thing too – 12 points and 17 rebounds for a solid double-double. But Chicago just couldn’t get in rhythm. Only two players – Reese and Ariel Atkins – hit double digits.
Now, back to the Fever’s side of the party. The crowd got loud late in the fourth – but not for Clark this time. Nope. The spotlight was on a vet making her regular-season debut in an Indiana jersey. DeWanna Bonner strolled to the free throw line, knocked down both shots, and just like that, climbed up to No. 3 on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. She ended the night with only 7 points on 2-of-9 shooting, but those buckets were monumental. With 7,489 career points, Bonner passed Tina Thompson.
But is that surprising? Not at all. She’s been elite from the jump – starting at Auburn where she shattered the school’s scoring record and became one of just three Tigers to hit both 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds. Her WNBA journey kicked off with the Mercury in 2009, rolled through the Connecticut Sun, and has now landed her in Indiana at just the right time.
“Strongest voice in our locker room is hers.”
Caitlin Clark talks about DeWanna Bonner moving into third on the WNBA all-time scoring list & the influence she has on the team pic.twitter.com/YqjrK5BA0V
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 17, 2025
Under coach Stephanie White, Bonner’s role goes way beyond the stat sheet. Sure, she had a quieter night, but she’s a three-level scorer and a critical piece of Indiana’s offense. What she brings off the court might matter even more. And Caitlin knows it as she also shared Bonner’s impact in the locker room.
“You know, DB is somebody that, you know, is a Hall of Famer, like a legend. Not only a good basketball player, a great person, a great leader,” she said. “You know, the strongest voice in our locker room is hers. And it’s fun to have been around her now for about a month, just to get to learn from her and soak it in.”
CC was especially thrilled with how that historic moment played out. “I’m really happy she got to do it at the free throw line and all the fans could go crazy and cheer for her because she certainly deserved that moment and it was really awesome to see and be a part of,” the sophomore added. It’s bond like these that fans believe is the X-factor for Fever.
Clark, just 23, is Indiana’s future. Bonner, at 37, is fighting off Father Time and owning her “mama bear” vibe. But they’re finding each other in the middle, building a bond rooted in trust, leadership, and winning. Clark’s already started sticking close to Bonner – whether that’s during practice or in between drills – trying to soak up every ounce of wisdom. Kelsey Mitchell’s doing the same, calling Bonner “the best vet in the world.”
Well, she’s earned that title. 14 years in the league, Two-time WNBA champ, six-time All-Star, three-time Sixth Woman of the Year, and now No. 3 on the all-time scoring list. Now, she’s got her eyes set on Tina Charles at No. 2 (7,696 points and counting), but for Bonner, the main prize is winning. That’s what drives her. For the time being, Clark, Bonner, and this Fever crew are ready to roll into their May 20 clash against the Atlanta Dream.
But we have to admit that this Fever-Sky showdown gave us the historic moment but also Reese-Clark drama we were all secretly hoping for.
Caitlin Clark’s chaotic tumble sparks flagrant frenzy with Angel Reese
The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky just might have a rivalry brewing hotter than anyone expected this early in the season. In just the first game for both squads, things got just a bit spicy between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
It all started under the basket when Angel Reese went at it with Fever forward Natasha Howard. Reese gave Howard a bit of a push while fighting for the rebound, snagged the ball, and tried to reset herself. But just when she was going back up, Clark stepped in, slid across Reese’s body, and sent her straight to the floor with a foul that got everyone talking.
While Clark casually walked away, Reese was clearly not having it and gave her an earful. Cue Aliyah Boston jumping in to hold Reese back. In the end, Clark got a flagrant one, and both Reese and Boston picked up technicals. Postgame, when reporters brought up Boston’s tech, her and CC couldn’t believe it. “Wait, AB got the foul?” she interrupted mid-question. “I got the tech? Oh no.” According to crew chief Roy Gulbeyan, Boston received a “physical taunt technical foul” for stepping in to break things up, while Reese got a “verbal technical.” So, both technicals canceled each other out.
Even though things got heated, there was still a little humor in the air. “I appreciate AB having my back,” Clark said with a grin. To which Boston fired back, “Can I get half?” – referring to that $200 fine for picking up her first tech of the season. Without missing a beat, Clark said, “I got you.” As for Clark’s side of the foul, she stood firm on it being purely strategic. “It’s just a good take foul,” she explained. “Either Angel gets wide-open two points. Or, you know, we send them to the free throw line. Nothing malicious about it.”
Aug 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks by Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
But the referees weren’t quite on the same page. In a postgame statement shared by WNBA Communications on X, Gulbeyan said Clark’s foul hit the flagrant 1 criteria due to the “wind-up, impact, and follow-through,” especially noting that left-hand extension to Reese’s back. Not a basketball move, he said..just unnecessary contact.
So while it may not have been malicious, it sure was intense. Still, Clark and Reese are reportedly cool off the court. But based on what we just saw, things are definitely heating up on it.
The post Caitlin Clark Drops Major Locker Room Truth as Fever Teammate Climbs Up WNBA Ladder appeared first on EssentiallySports.
